Resurrection

We are in the middle of the Lenten season. It might surprise you that a Baptist pastor knows about that. The truth is that we do not practice Lent in the same manner as other Christian traditions. But I am aware of it.

Lent is a time that leads up to Easter. Resurrection Sunday. I am certainly aware of that day. Easter will be celebrated world-wide next month. It is a time when we will be reminded of the central truth of the Christian faith. Jesus is alive!

Here’s the thing. I am fully aware that there are those who question the validity and the veracity of the resurrection. After all, we live in a scientific age when we no longer believe in such superstitions and fantasies.

I am always amazed, and even amused, by such declarations. We no longer believe in superstitions, right? Do you know any baseball players? Okay, then you know that superstitions are real. And then there are those who believe in crystals and the like. Yeah, we are living in a truly sophisticated era where everyone is rational and reasonable all the time. Just get on Facebook and you will see that, right?

Again, here’s the thing. We are more scientifically advanced than they were in the first century. We have more knowledge in many areas of life. But they knew something that we all know, too. Dead bodies don’t walk out of graves. Resurrections simply did not happen. And yet…

The claim was made that Jesus was alive. And there is more evidence for that than many will acknowledge. The truth is simple. If Jesus is not truly alive, then the entirety of Christianity is a farce and a lie. If His body were ever to be found, every church building should be sold (or given away), and we should cease to exist.

But we believe He is alive. The resurrection is true and real. We serve a risen Savior! Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!